Louisville Cardinals season ends in 76-73 Loss

The Louisville Cardinals fought to the final buzzer. In the end, Shoni Schimmel’s last second 3 pointer went off the rim, and 4th seeded Maryland eliminated the 3rd seeded Cardinals 76-73. The Terps move onto the Women’s Final 4. Maryland will meet Unbeaten Notre Dame Sunday in Nashville.

Down by 12 late, the Cardinals would not give up. Senior Shoni Schimmel, who finished with a game high 31 points, hit three-3 pointers in the final 31 seconds to pull the Cards to within 3. After Maryland All-American Alyssa Thomas (22 points, 13 rebounds) only made 1 free throw, the Cardinals ran a variation of the hook-and-ladder play. It got Schimmel an open look for a potential game tying 3 pointer. But the senior’s aim was ever so slightly off, and the ball clanged harmlessly off the back of the rim.

Afterwards in the locker-room, Schimmel said it hasn’t hit her that the season is over, but that she will miss playing with her teammates. She considers them all her sisters.
Antonita Slaughter had 16 for the Cards while Asia Taylor added 12. Wednesday on CN|2 Sports (6:30pm EDT), you will hear from all your favorites in the Louisville locker room as 5 Seniors say goodbye to the program, while other players look forward to next year. The Cardinals season ends with a record of 33-5.